A BLOOD CLOT BLOCKING LUNG ARTERIES
Pulmonary Embolism
A blood clot blocking the lung arteries, causing sudden breathlessness, chest pain and a potentially life-threatening situation. Urgent anticoagulation, oxygen and ICU care save lives.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition in which a blood clot — usually formed in the deep veins of the legs (DVT) — breaks off, travels through the heart and lodges in the arteries of the lungs. This blocks blood flow, reduces oxygen levels and strains the right side of the heart. Typical features include sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (often worse with breathing), rapid heart rate, cough, sometimes coughing up blood, fainting and, in severe cases, shock or cardiac arrest. Risk factors are similar to those for DVT — prolonged immobilisation, recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, inherited clotting disorders, obesity and previous clots. Diagnosis is confirmed with CT pulmonary angiography and supportive tests. Treatment requires urgent anticoagulation, oxygen support, thrombolysis in severe cases and ICU monitoring, followed by long-term anticoagulation and risk-factor management. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides urgent assessment and inpatient/ICU care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Deep vein thrombosis breaking off and travelling to the lungs
- Prolonged immobilisation — long flights, hospitalisation, bedrest
- Recent major surgery, particularly orthopaedic surgery
- Cancer and certain cancer treatments
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Hormonal therapy and contraceptives
- Inherited clotting disorders
- Obesity, smoking and increasing age
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
CT pulmonary angiography, D-dimer, echocardiography and blood tests
Stable PE · Submassive PE · Massive PE with shock
Anticoagulation, oxygen, thrombolysis for severe cases and ICU monitoring
Long-term anticoagulation, often for at least 3 months
Mobilisation, prophylaxis in high-risk situations, treating DVT promptly
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — inpatient and ICU care
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Urgent Anticoagulation with ICU Monitoring
The most effective approach is rapid recognition and urgent anticoagulation, with thrombolysis in massive PE, oxygen support, ICU monitoring and identification of provoking factors, followed by long-term anticoagulation and risk-factor management.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Urgent assessment of breathing, oxygen levels and circulation, with blood tests, ECG, chest imaging and CT pulmonary angiography to confirm PE.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Immediate treatment plan including anticoagulation, oxygen, monitoring and consideration of thrombolysis or IVC filter where indicated.
- 3
Medical Management
Anticoagulation, oxygen support, thrombolysis in severe cases, ICU monitoring and stabilisation of vital signs.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term anticoagulation, follow-up imaging where needed, risk-factor management and discussion of duration of therapy.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anticoagulation Therapy
Anticoagulation prevents further clot formation, supports natural clot dissolution and is the cornerstone of PE treatment.
Thrombolysis for Massive PE
In severe PE with shock, thrombolytic therapy is used urgently to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.
Oxygen Support
Supplemental oxygen and, in severe cases, non-invasive or invasive ventilation help maintain adequate oxygen levels.
IVC Filter in Select Cases (Referral for interventional radiology)
An IVC filter may be considered in patients who cannot receive anticoagulation or have recurrent PE despite treatment.
ICU Care
Patients with significant PE are managed in an ICU or high-dependency setting with continuous monitoring.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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